Gary Lineker praises The Scrap Box in Dunnington, near York

The former footballer and Match of the Day host stopped by at The Scrap Box in Dunnington on Saturday (March 21) after learning that it had been named the best takeaway in Britain.

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Arriving shortly after 12pm that day, Gary enjoyed a traditional cod and chips, along with Scrap Box’s famous tartar sauce.

Gary Lineker praised Scrap Box’s cod and chips after stopping by to try it on Saturday (Image: Supplied)

Co-owner Aman Dhesi said: “He came in at early lunchtime, was polite and spoke with lots of customers – many of whom were football fans.

“We were really busy at the time, so I couldn’t talk to him for too long, but being a huge cricket enthusiast, he was interested to learn about Dunnington’s history with the sport.

“I asked him about his podcast – The Rest Is Sport, and he complimented his fish and chips.

“He was a lovely guy and even re-posted us on his Instagram page after.”

Owners of The Scrap Box Aman and Gavin (Image: / SWNS)

A family member of Gary’s is reported to have told the star about Aman’s business in Hull Road, which he runs with his brother Gavin.

It comes after the pair were celebrated during the National Fish & Chip Awards on Wednesday (February 25) at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London – months after The Scrap Box was crowned one of the happiest places to work in 2025.

The business, which first opened a decade ago, offers several critically acclaimed main dishes featuring fish, pie and buttermilk battered chicken.

Its scrap box sides also include spam and pea fritters – and, for those daring few, a battered Mars Bar.

The Scrap Box in Dunnington was crowned the country’s best takeaway in February (Image: / SWNS)

Speaking about Scrap Box’s surge in popularity, Aman said: “Trade has gone crazy, but ultimately, it’s about keeping our regular customers happy.

“They are the ones who made the awards happen – and we are forever grateful.”